Yellow-spotted keelback
| Yellow-spotted keelback | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Subfamily: | Natricinae |
| Genus: | Xenochrophis |
| Species: | X. flavipunctatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Xenochrophis flavipunctatus (Hallowell, 1860) | |
The yellow-spotted keelback, Xenochrophis flavipunctatus, is a species of colubrid snake found in India, Thailand, China, West Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, and Kalimantan)[2] Its type locality is: Island of Hong Kong (Hong Kong) and Canton River?, China[2]
IUCN includes Taiwan in the range of X. flavipunctatus, but excludes India, Malaysia, and Indonesia.[1]
X. f. schnurrenbergeri of Nepal is now considered an independent species, Xenochrophis schnurrenbergeri.[1]
Habitat and behaviour
X. flavipunctatus is a semiaquatic snake that occurs in slow rivers and streams, marshes, swamps, ponds, and lakes. It thrives also in wet human-modified habitats, including rice fields and ditches. It feeds on fish and frogs.[1] It is diurnal.[2]
Relations with humans
X. flavipunctatus is exploited in parts of it range to support snake farms and pigs and for use in snake wine.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 Stuart, B.; Wogan, G. & Grismer, L. (2012). "Xenochrophis flavipunctatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
- 1 2 3 Xenochrophis flavipunctatus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 28 October 2012.
- Hallowell, E.; 1861 "Report upon the Reptilia of the North Pacific Exploring Expedition, under command of Capt. John Rogers, U.S.N." Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 12 [1860]: 480 - 510